Of course, you can never keep Joe Hart down for long and, frustrated striker that he is, he was soon in the act, banging some in while some of his shots were a danger to teh watching spectators.

Mario Balotelli had fun with the coaches, too, skying a few shots so high one of the balls is probably still on its way down. He buried enough to suggest the wink he gave on his more ambitious shots were completely on purpose.

James Milner was on fire this morning, scoring a couple of crackers and looking in terrific shape. All bodes well for the season.

Gael Clichy was left to watch as his team-mates peppered the goal with shots at the end of an intense but vibrant session.